All Services Provided Regardless of the Patients’ Ability to Pay
Top college football players from across the country kicked off their week of
festivities by visiting patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Tampa on
Sunday, January 15, 2012. The East-West Shrine Game Player Visit was
the first event of the week leading up to the 87th East-West Shrine Game on
Saturday, January 21, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Fla. This event allowed the
players and coaches of the game to experience first-hand what the EastWest Shrine Game is all about: helping the patients of Shriners Hospitals for
Children®.
The players and coaches arrived at the hospital on buses that were escorted
by the Florida Associate of Shrine Motor Corps and Widows Sons motorcycle
groups. When they entered the hospital, the Board of Governors for the
Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Tampa led the players through the Fishbowl
while, patients, staff and volunteers cheered for them. Members of the
Armwood High School Marching Band and Buccaneers cheerleaders also
encouraged the players, creating a lively pep rally like atmosphere.
Patient Ambassador Ben Carpenter also spoke to provide inspiration to the
players and further illustrate the purpose of the game along with the coaches
and members of our Shrine leadership.
Players and coaches had the opportunity to interact with patients. They
participated in a number of different activities including basketball, dancing,
face painting, corn toss, golf and arts and crafts. Patients also were able to
pose with players for pictures and receive autographs on donated footballs.
The East-West Shrine Game Player Visit was a significant event for all
that had the opportunity to attend. From the players to the patients to the
volunteers, each individual played a part in ensuring the success of the event
and its purpose of illustrating the meaning that the East-West Shrine Game is
more than just a game.